Harden's 46, Howard's 20-20 game carry Rockets past Paul-less Clippers

James Harden and the Houston Rockets got the best of the Los Angeles Clippers once again.

Harden poured in 46 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal, and Dwight Howard posted 20 points and 20 rebounds to lead the Rockets to a 109-105 victory in L.A. in a rematch of last season's thrilling Western Conference semifinal, which saw the Rockets rally from a 3-1 series deficit.

Chris Paul missed the contest due to a groin injury sustained in Thursday's loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Blake Griffin scored 35 points to go with 11 rebounds and five assists in defeat, as the Clippers fell to 4-2 on the season while Houston improved to 4-3 with their fourth straight win.

The two teams combined for 50 personal fouls and 54 free throw attempts, as DeAndre Jordan, Dwight Howard, and even Rockets big man Clint Capela were each on the receiving end of intentional fouls, particularly during the second half.

Josh Smith, who finished last season with the Rockets, chipped in with 10 points in 11 minutes off the bench for Los Angeles.

The Clippers will look to end their two-game losing streak when they take on the struggling Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, while the Rockets are off until Wednesday, when they'll host the winless Brooklyn Nets.